When it comes to understanding air filter efficiency, all about MERV ratings is a fundamental topic for homeowners and professionals alike. MERV, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a standardized scale that measures an air filter's effectiveness in capturing particles. With ratings ranging from 1 to 16, MERV charts detail how well filters trap particles of varying sizes—from large dust and carpet fibers to microscopic bacteria and smoke. Choosing the right MERV rating ensures not only improved indoor air quality but also compatibility with your HVAC system for optimal performance
All About MERV Ratings & MERV Rating Charts:
Filterbuy's Guide to Air Filter Efficiency
Exploring the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) system, its ratings, and how it impacts air filter performance for improved indoor air quality.
What is a MERV Rating?
What is MERV?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency
Reporting Value and is a standardized
system that measures the effectiveness
of an air filter in capturing particles.
Particle Capture Efficiency
MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, with
higher ratings indicating greater
efficiency in capturing smaller particles
like dust, pollen, mold spores, and
bacteria.
Filter Performance Measurement
MERV ratings are determined through
standardized tests that measure a filter's
ability to remove atmospheric dust and
synthetic particles from the air.
Understanding MERV ratings is crucial for selecting the right air filter to
improve indoor air quality and ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently.
What Do MERV Ratings Mean?
MERV Rating Scale
Air filters are rated on a scale from 1 to 16, with
higher ratings indicating greater efficiency in
trapping smaller airborne particles.
Particle Size Capture
The MERV rating reflects a filter's capability to
capture particles ranging from large dust and
pollen to microscopic bacteria and smoke.
Low MERV Ratings (1-4)
Filters with low MERV ratings can only capture
larger particles like carpet fibers and dust mites.
Mid-Range MERV Ratings (5-12)
These filters effectively trap smaller particles
like pollen, mold spores, and pet dander,
significantly improving indoor air quality for most
homes.
High MERV Ratings (13+)
Filters with MERV 13 or higher are often used in
hospitals, laboratories, and homes with strict air
quality requirements, capturing even
microscopic bacteria and smoke particles.
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How MERV Ratings Work
Higher MERV ratings
generally mean better
filtration, but they can also
impact airflow and energy
efficiency. It's important to
choose a MERV rating that
meets your air quality
needs while ensuring
compatibility with your
HVAC system's
specifications.
Balancing Air Quality
and System
Compatibility
MERV ratings assess a
filter's ability to trap
particles ranging from large
carpet fibers (greater than
10 microns) to microscopic
bacteria (less than 0.3
microns). Selecting the
right MERV rating ensures
optimal filtration for your
indoor air quality needs.
Particle Size Range
Captured
MERV ratings quantify how
effectively air filters trap
particles of specific sizes as
air passes through your
furnace or HVAC system.
Higher MERV ratings
indicate greater efficiency
at capturing smaller
particles like dust, pollen,
mold spores, and bacteria.
MERV Ratings Measure
Particle Capture
Efficiency
MERV ratings determine
the percentage of particles
within each size range that
a filter can effectively
capture. This helps identify
the most appropriate filter
type for your specific air
quality requirements,
whether in a residential,
commercial, or medical
setting.
Efficiency Levels
Measured
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
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https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/all-about-merv-ratings/
https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/all-about-merv-ratings/
Determining MERV Ratings
Air filters undergo rigorous testing to determine their
MERV ratings. The Dust Spot Efficiency Test measures
the filter's ability to remove atmospheric dust
particles from the air, while the Arrestance Test
evaluates the filter's effectiveness in trapping
synthetic particles injected into the air. These
standardized tests provide a reliable way to assess
the performance and efficiency of air filters, enabling
consumers and professionals to make informed
decisions.
Discover more at https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-
filter-basics/all-about-merv-ratings/
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
5
MERV Rating Chart Overview
Particle Size Range
Efficiency Level
0.3 - 1.0 microns
MERV 13-16: 75-95% Efficient
1.0 - 3.0 microns
MERV 8-12: 70-90% Efficient
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
6
*American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Benefits of Higher MERV Ratings
Percentage improvement in air quality, allergen reduction, and respiratory health with higher MERV ratings
85%
Indoor Air Quality
78%
Respiratory Health
92%
Allergen Reduction
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
7
Filterbuy's Guide to Air Filter Efficiency
Exploring the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) system, its ratings, and how it impacts air filter performance for improved indoor air quality.
What is a MERV Rating?
What is MERV?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency
Reporting Value and is a standardized
system that measures the effectiveness
of an air filter in capturing particles.
Particle Capture Efficiency
MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, with
higher ratings indicating greater
efficiency in capturing smaller particles
like dust, pollen, mold spores, and
bacteria.
Filter Performance Measurement
MERV ratings are determined through
standardized tests that measure a filter's
ability to remove atmospheric dust and
synthetic particles from the air.
Understanding MERV ratings is crucial for selecting the right air filter to
improve indoor air quality and ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently.
What Do MERV Ratings Mean?
MERV Rating Scale
Air filters are rated on a scale from 1 to 16, with
higher ratings indicating greater efficiency in
trapping smaller airborne particles.
Particle Size Capture
The MERV rating reflects a filter's capability to
capture particles ranging from large dust and
pollen to microscopic bacteria and smoke.
Low MERV Ratings (1-4)
Filters with low MERV ratings can only capture
larger particles like carpet fibers and dust mites.
Mid-Range MERV Ratings (5-12)
These filters effectively trap smaller particles
like pollen, mold spores, and pet dander,
significantly improving indoor air quality for most
homes.
High MERV Ratings (13+)
Filters with MERV 13 or higher are often used in
hospitals, laboratories, and homes with strict air
quality requirements, capturing even
microscopic bacteria and smoke particles.
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
3
How MERV Ratings Work
Higher MERV ratings
generally mean better
filtration, but they can also
impact airflow and energy
efficiency. It's important to
choose a MERV rating that
meets your air quality
needs while ensuring
compatibility with your
HVAC system's
specifications.
Balancing Air Quality
and System
Compatibility
MERV ratings assess a
filter's ability to trap
particles ranging from large
carpet fibers (greater than
10 microns) to microscopic
bacteria (less than 0.3
microns). Selecting the
right MERV rating ensures
optimal filtration for your
indoor air quality needs.
Particle Size Range
Captured
MERV ratings quantify how
effectively air filters trap
particles of specific sizes as
air passes through your
furnace or HVAC system.
Higher MERV ratings
indicate greater efficiency
at capturing smaller
particles like dust, pollen,
mold spores, and bacteria.
MERV Ratings Measure
Particle Capture
Efficiency
MERV ratings determine
the percentage of particles
within each size range that
a filter can effectively
capture. This helps identify
the most appropriate filter
type for your specific air
quality requirements,
whether in a residential,
commercial, or medical
setting.
Efficiency Levels
Measured
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
4
https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/all-about-merv-ratings/
https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/all-about-merv-ratings/
Determining MERV Ratings
Air filters undergo rigorous testing to determine their
MERV ratings. The Dust Spot Efficiency Test measures
the filter's ability to remove atmospheric dust
particles from the air, while the Arrestance Test
evaluates the filter's effectiveness in trapping
synthetic particles injected into the air. These
standardized tests provide a reliable way to assess
the performance and efficiency of air filters, enabling
consumers and professionals to make informed
decisions.
Discover more at https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-
filter-basics/all-about-merv-ratings/
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
5
MERV Rating Chart Overview
Particle Size Range
Efficiency Level
0.3 - 1.0 microns
MERV 13-16: 75-95% Efficient
1.0 - 3.0 microns
MERV 8-12: 70-90% Efficient
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
6
*American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Benefits of Higher MERV Ratings
Percentage improvement in air quality, allergen reduction, and respiratory health with higher MERV ratings
85%
Indoor Air Quality
78%
Respiratory Health
92%
Allergen Reduction
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
7